mazda is a car brand that never seems to do anything wrong. They build brilliant sports cars like the Mazda Miata, build family SUVs like the CX-50, and finally perfected the compact crossover segment with the CX-30 Turbo.
Now hold your horses, the CX-30 isn’t as performance-oriented as the Hyundai Kona N, for example, but for the price, it does a great job. Today we’re going to dive into the roots of the CX-30 Turbo and see what makes it tick, why it’s such a watchful vehicle, and why it’s ultimately worth it.
10/10 The Torquey engine in the 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo
In general, cars with small turbocharged engines tend to run better when revved up, but the CX-30 Turbo doesn’t quite fit those rules. The engine under the CX-30’s hood is a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces up to 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque.
Not only does the higher-than-horsepower figure reign supreme, but its full torque is already available at just 2,500 rpm. So, as you can imagine, there will never be a yearning for more oomph in this little crossover from Mazda.
9/10 The excellent technology of the Mazda CX-30 Turbo 2022
The Mazda CX-30 is packed with features. Its safety features are the highlight here with systems like automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist all coming as standard – that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
If you like tricks, you’ll love what the MyMazda mobile app lets you do from anywhere in the world. You can do all the run-of-the-mill party tricks like locking and unlocking your vehicle as well as checking the next service date and other necessities. In addition, you can also start the engine remotely… However, this depends on where you are, since the legislation of some countries does not prohibit such acts.
8/10 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Prices
The base model CX-30 starts at $23,775, making it one of the most affordable new compact SUVs money can buy. Unfortunately, the CX-30 Turbo costs a bit more: $31,775 to be exact. Now, is the upgrade worth the $8,000 premium?
To put it bluntly, yes. Not only do you get all the luxuries in the cabin, but you also benefit from a powertrain that produces 64 hp and 124 lb-ft more than the base model. If that’s not the new car deal of the century, we don’t know what is.
7/10 The 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Comes With an Amazing Set of Standard Features
In today’s world, it seems there are more optional extras than standard features offered in cars. Fortunately, this is not the case with the CX-30. Some of the standout standard features include faux-leather upholstery, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and this system (called Mazda Connect) is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It’s also worth mentioning that all CX-30 models come standard with all-wheel drive.
However, if you opted for the top-of-the-line Turbo Premium Plus, you’d get some luxuries like a full leather interior, a heated steering wheel, and electronically adjustable heated front seats.
6/10 The 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Is Proper Off-Road
Like we said, all CX-30s have a standard all-wheel drive system, and we’re happy to report that it’s not just peace of mind: the CX-30 is workable in all weather conditions. Mazda’s all-wheel drive system, called i-Activ AWD, allows the CX-30 Turbo to perform well on and off the road.
The Mazda CX-30 Turbo has 8 inches of ground clearance, just a few inches less than a Jeep Wrangler (no, size doesn’t matter that much) and rides on 18-inch all-season tires. These tires prioritize keeping you planted in the snow, but they also allow for incredible grip. As a result, the CX-30 Turbo can hit 60 mph from a stop in just 5.8 seconds.
5/10 The attractive design of the Mazda CX-30 Turbo 2022
There are a few reasons the CX-30’s exterior is so charming. First of all, the color options. Take for example this deep red metallic color that Mazda calls Soul Red Crystal Metallic.
Plus, its exterior plastic cladding is well-executed, unlike other crossovers like the odd Toyota BZ4X. The Mazda CX-30 struck the perfect balance between standout crossover and no-nonsense luxury car.
4/10 The 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo has a well-designed interior
Most of the modern car brands are adopting a uniform interior design, but more often than not this leads to a lack of physical knobs and buttons. Fortunately, that’s not the case with the CX-30 Turbo.
While the cockpit may look streamlined, it didn’t come at the expense of physical controls. Also, the materials used throughout the cabin are flexible and durable…this could become a problem for other luxury car brands.
3/10 The amazing handling of the 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo
As a general rule, crossovers suffer from strong body roll due to having a higher ride height than the car they are based on; in this case, it’s the Mazda 3. Due to some revised suspension work and a capable all-wheel drive system, the Mazda CX-30 Turbo doesn’t suffer from a great deal of body roll and, to In turn, it grips quite well in the curves.
Sure, it’s not incredibly flat through tight turns, but then again, isn’t this what adds to the fun factor? It’s always much more fun to drive a so-called slow car fast than it is to drive a fast car slow.
2/10 The 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo is as luxurious as the most expensive compact SUVs
Remember how mentioning impeccable build quality could end up being a concern for luxury-oriented automakers? Well, it has already happened, and Mazda has stepped on the heels of some European brands.
The two main victims of it are Mercedes-Benz and Volvo. Volvo used to be the underdog automaker that produced cars that cost less than the competition but provided the same level of composure. Mercedes, on the other hand, has never been one to cut costs, but that hasn’t turned out to be enough to make them immune against the likes of Mazda…
1/10 The 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Compared to Its Competitors
There are countless crossovers for sale right now, and they make up a gigantic chunk of the auto market right now. So it goes without saying that the Mazda CX-30 Turbo has some tough competition to contend with.
That said, the Mazda basically wipes the floor with all of them. The Hyundai Kona may be a little cheaper by comparison, but it’s also less practical and less fun to drive. Plus, the Kia Soul is one of the cheapest cars on sale right now, but even that price difference can’t justify the difference in quality between the two crossovers.